Partial TCP/IP Offload from UE to RAN for Lower Power Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high CPU processing requirements for TCP/IP operations in user equipment (UE) consume substantial resources and power, especially in next-generation cellular networks, necessitating a more efficient offloading strategy.

Innovation Solution

Partial offloading of TCP/IP functions, such as checksum calculation and validation, from UE to a cellular base station (RAN node) is achieved through radio resource control (RRC) messages, maintaining end-to-end TCP/IP protocols while reducing UE processing load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If TCP/IP processing is performed entirely in user equipment, then protocol processing completeness is maintained, but CPU processing requirements and power consumption increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol processing completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TCP/IP processing functions by separating them into two parts: protocol stack processing remains in the user equipment while specific processing tasks (checksum calculation, segmentation, reassembly) are offloaded to the base station. This segmentation allows the UE to maintain protocol completeness while reducing its processing burden and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If TCP/IP processing is offloaded to base station, then UE processing load is reduced, but device complexity and signaling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the base station acts as a helper for specific TCP/IP processing tasks. The base station receives data from the UE, performs the offloaded processing functions, and returns the processed data. This intermediary approach reduces UE processing load while managing system complexity through standardized signaling procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If partial TCP/IP functions are offloaded, then UE power consumption is reduced, but end-to-end protocol continuity must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidprotocol continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the base station and UE exchange signaling messages to coordinate the offloaded processing. The base station provides feedback about processing status, and the UE adjusts its transmissions accordingly to maintain end-to-end protocol continuity. This feedback ensures that while processing is distributed, the overall TCP/IP protocol flow remains intact and reliable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12432628B2Apparatuses for partially offloading protocol processing

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 APPLE INC

AI summary

Apparatuses for partially offloading processing from a user equipment (UE) to a cellular Radio Access Network (RAN) node are disclosed. An apparatus for a UE includes at least one processor configured to perform Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) processing and offload only a portion of the TCP/IP processing to a cellular RAN node while maintaining TCP protocols running end-to-end between the UE and a remote host.